"Some of the things we are starting to realize is that there is a biological basis for a lot of those addictions," he said. "We used to think of it as not having enough willpower in the brain but now we are starting to view it as a biological addiction of the brain."

While research is inconclusive on whether people are genetically predisposed to addictive behaviors, Klapheke said that each time a person takes a drug, a reward circuit in the brain is triggered. Prescription drugs increase dopamine levels in this part of the brain, he said.

"When you take these drugs they increase dopamine levels and the brain gets used to that," he said. "The longer you do it the more you change the neurotransmitters in the brain. During withdrawals the body goes into a hyper-aroused state. It's crying out: 'Calm me down.' It's like taking the brake off. The biological systems are out of balance and that's what keeps bringing the person back to use the drug."

But this doesn't mean addicts lack full responsibility for their actions, Klapheke said.

"They may have biological factors that make them more prone to addiction but the willpower part is how they go about it," Klapheke said. "They have to understand how their illness is impacting themselves, their job, family and how they are putting others at risk. That's the part we can hold people responsible for."

When a person's reward system is overstimulated, pleasure-seeking behaviors can dominate a person's personality. It's that trait that can make addicts manipulate others so they can get their fix, said Jessica Thomas, a program supervisor at Haven Recovery Center's residential treatment center in DeLand.

"Once they cross a line into addiction it's a never-ending cycle," Thomas said. "Their body is hurting, they are having physical withdrawals and they become consumed with how to get more. The only other option is to use again and they will sell of all their belongings to do so."

When helping an addict recover, Thomas said, it's important not to provide a crutch for them.

"To some degree we all struggle with that," Thomas said about those who work with addicts. "We have to ask ourselves: Are we helping them or hurting them with another crutch? Are they really committed to changing their lives or is treatment just going to be a revolving door?"

"The individual remains at risk for recurrence for the addiction throughout their life," he said. "Many individuals find it impossible to stop without using inpatient care and are still subject to craving and relapse following treatment."

Where to find help for addiction and related problems

To report suspected child abuse and neglect, call the Florida Department of Children and Families Abuse Hotline at 1-800-962-2873

For parenting tips and information on local resources, call DCF's Parent HelpLine at 1-800-FLA-LOVE (1-800-352-5683).

<p>New research is helping to shape the way recovery specialists approach addiction, said Dr. Martin Klapheke, a psychiatry professor at the University of Central Florida. </p><p>"Some of the things we are starting to realize is that there is a biological basis for a lot of those addictions," he said. "We used to think of it as not having enough willpower in the brain but now we are starting to view it as a biological addiction of the brain." </p><p>While research is inconclusive on whether people are genetically predisposed to addictive behaviors, Klapheke said that each time a person takes a drug, a reward circuit in the brain is triggered. Prescription drugs increase dopamine levels in this part of the brain, he said. </p><p>"When you take these drugs they increase dopamine levels and the brain gets used to that," he said. "The longer you do it the more you change the neurotransmitters in the brain. During withdrawals the body goes into a hyper-aroused state. It's crying out: 'Calm me down.' It's like taking the brake off. The biological systems are out of balance and that's what keeps bringing the person back to use the drug." </p><p>But this doesn't mean addicts lack full responsibility for their actions, Klapheke said. </p><p>"They may have biological factors that make them more prone to addiction but the willpower part is how they go about it," Klapheke said. "They have to understand how their illness is impacting themselves, their job, family and how they are putting others at risk. That's the part we can hold people responsible for." </p><p>When a person's reward system is overstimulated, pleasure-seeking behaviors can dominate a person's personality. It's that trait that can make addicts manipulate others so they can get their fix, said Jessica Thomas, a program supervisor at Haven Recovery Center's residential treatment center in DeLand. </p><p>"Once they cross a line into addiction it's a never-ending cycle," Thomas said. "Their body is hurting, they are having physical withdrawals and they become consumed with how to get more. The only other option is to use again and they will sell of all their belongings to do so." </p><p>When helping an addict recover, Thomas said, it's important not to provide a crutch for them. </p><p>"To some degree we all struggle with that," Thomas said about those who work with addicts. "We have to ask ourselves: Are we helping them or hurting them with another crutch? Are they really committed to changing their lives or is treatment just going to be a revolving door?" </p><p>Chet Bell, CEO of Stewart-Marchman-Act Behavioral Healthcare, said effective treatment of prescription drug abuse requires both medical oversight and behavioral therapy. </p><p>"The individual remains at risk for recurrence for the addiction throughout their life," he said. "Many individuals find it impossible to stop without using inpatient care and are still subject to craving and relapse following treatment."</p><p><b>Where to find help for addiction and related problems</b> </p><p>To report suspected child abuse and neglect, call the Florida Department of Children and Families Abuse Hotline at 1-800-962-2873 </p><p>For parenting tips and information on local resources, call DCF's Parent HelpLine at 1-800-FLA-LOVE (1-800-352-5683). </p><p>For information about drug recovery and detox programs call Stewart-Marchman Act's Access center at 1-800-539-4228</p>